Machine tool



March 22, 1949- R. A. SCHAFER ETAL 2,464,996

' MACHINE TOOL v Filed Aug. 23, 1946 1s Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVENTOS Me? M3164 R. A. SCHAFER ETAL 2,464,996

March 22, 1949.

MACHINE TOOL 1e Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 25, 1946 IINVENTORS. .g zwrzigo/g w March 22, 1949. R. A. SCHAFER ETAL 2,464,996

MACHINE TOOL 1 Filed Aug. 23., 1946 1e Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TORS.

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MACHINE TOOL 16 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 23, 1946 INVEN/TORS.

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MACHINE TOOL Filed Aug. 25, 1946 16 Sheets-Sheet 6 March 22, 1949.

RIA. SCHAFER AL MACHINE TOOL l6 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Aug. 23, 1945 March 22, 1949. R. A. SCHAFER ETAL 2,464,996

MACHINE TOOL Filed Aug. 2a, 1946 16 Sheets-Sheet s IN VEN TORS.

March 22, 1949. R. A. SCHAFER Err-Al. 2,464,996

MACHINE TOOL 16 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Aug. 2'5 1946 MN ix.

March 22, 1949. R. A. SCHAFER ETAL' 2,464,996

MACHINE TOOL 16 Shoals-Sheet 11 I Filed Aug. 25,1946

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R. A. SCHAFTER ETAL MACHINE TOOL 16 sheets-sheet 15 Filed Aug. 25, 15246 INVENTORS. az ea f Q. 5cz go/ Patented Mar. 22, 1949 UNITED STATES OFFICE MACHINE TOOL of Indiana Application August 23, 1946, Serial No. 692,629

15 Claims.

for indexing work carrying tables forming parts of such machine tools.

In the past, tables of machine tools have been indexed by various mechanisms, such as Geneva motions, hydraulically operated ratchet drives, and direct electric drives. All of these mechanisms possess the disadvantage that due to the inertia of the indexing table, it could be stopped only abruptly with a shock which resulted in extreme wear on the parts, and ultimately led to inaccurate positioning of the table. Furthermore, in constructions in which the indexing table is mechanically stopped at its indexing position, the driving parts, such as gears, racks, etc, must necessarily be made heavy and strong enough to withstand the shock of stopping the table, with the result that these mechanisms became large, heavy, and expensive.

It is therefore the primary object of our invention to provide an improved indexing mechanism for machine tools.

A further object is to provide an improved servo valve mechanism for controlling a hydraulic motor operating to index a workpiece carrying table of a machine tool.

A further object is to provide an improved table indexing mechanism having a control means for automatically operating accurate positioning means after the table has been positioned in substantially the correct position by hydraulic means.

A further object is to provide an improved drive between the hydraulic motor and indexing table, whereby the table may be moved through small angular distances without affecting the hydraulic motor driving train.

A further object is to provide an improved indexing mechanism which may be adapted for indexing tables through practically any desired angle between indexing positions, merely by changing a few gears.

A further object is to provide an indexing mechanism for machine tools, in which substantially the only part having appreciable inertia to be overcome in stopping the indexing table at indexed position is the table itself.

A further object is to provide a simple, compact mechanism for indexing workpiece carrying tables, which is reliable in operation and may be economically manufactured.

Other objects will appear from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a machine tool embodying the improved indexing table;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the indexing table;

Fig. 3 is a broken sectional view of the table, taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an end elevational view, looking in the direction of line 4-4 of Fig. 2, with a cover plate removed to show the solenoid operated valve mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the driving mechanism for rotating the indexing table;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view, taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line 88 of Fig. 7;

Figs. 9, 10, and 11, are transverse sectional views, taken on the lines 9-9, l0-I 0, and ll-l I, respectively, of Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view, taken substantially on the line l2--l2 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the cam and follower shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the indexing table, with portions thereof in section, showing the adjustable shot bolt locator;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line I5I5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of the shot bolt and motor therefor, taken on the line I6l6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of the solenoid operated control valve, taken on the line Illl of Fig. 2;

Fig. 18 is a sectional View, taken on the line I8l8 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit employed, and illustrates the method of operation; and

Fig. 20 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electrical control circuits.

General description rections or at equally spaced angular intervals.

The table 24 is mounted for rotation upon a casing 28 (Fig. 3) which is suitably secured to a bed plate 30, the latter being bolted to the bed 22. The bed plate has a projection 3| for mounting an electric motor 32 driving a hydraulic pump 34. The indexing table 24 has a central hub portion 38 which is mounted for rotation in a suitable bearing bushing 38 secured in a depending flange 40 forming part of the casing 28. The weight of the indexing table 22, and that of workpieces and fixtures mounted thereon, is carried by an anti-friction thrust bearing assembly 42 of relatively large diameter, and tilting of the table is prevented by a plurality of shoes 44 secured to the table 24 and engaging beneath a flange 46 formed at the upper edge of the casing 28.

A worm gear 48 is secured to the lower end of the hub 36 and has a worm 50 (Fig. 5) meshing therewith. The worm is formed on a shaft 52 rotatable in anti-friction bearing assemblies 54 and 55. The bearing assemblies 54 and 55 are mounted in sleeves 56 which, together with plates 51 bolted thereto form bearing cartridges. These cartridges are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in a bracket 58 having projecting bearing portions 60 and BI, the bracket 58 being suitably secured to the casing 28. The if cartridges 54, 56, 51, and 55, 5B, 51, are normally held with their outer flanges 59 in engagement with the ends of the bearing portions (50 and GI, each by a plurality of coil springs 62 which are compressed between the leads of the cap :1

screws 64 and the cover plates 51. A spacing sleeve 66 surrounds each of the coil springs 62 and limits the extent of outward movement of the cartridges 56, 51.

From the foregoing, it will appear that the worm shaft 52 may move longitudinally in either direction from its center position a limited. distance, determined by the length of the spacing sleeve 66, against the forces applied by the springs 62.

The shaft 52 has a gear 68 keyed thereto, this gear meshing with an idler pinion Ill secured to the outer races of anti-friction bearings I2 carried by a pin 14. The idler pinion I0 meshes with a driving pinion I6 keyed to the end of the driving shaft "I8 of a reversible hydraulic motor 80. The hydraulic motor may be of the gear, piston, vane, or any other suitable type.

Ser'uo control for indexing motor The worm gear 48 has a spur gear 82 (Fig. 6) suitably secured thereto, this gear meshing with a pinion 84 which is formed integrally with a gear 86, as a cluster gear. This cluster gear is mounted for free rotation upon a pin 08 carried by a stationary bracket 90. The gear 85 drives a pinion 02 formed on the lower end of a servo valve sleeve 94 (Figs. 6 and 8). The sleeve 94 is mounted for rotation in a servo valve body 96 which is suitably secured to the casing 28.

As shown in Fig. 8, the body 96 is provided with an inlet port 98 and a pair of outlet ports I00 and I02. The sleeve 94 has an annular channel 98.I which is in communication with the port 98, and similar channels I00.I and Ill2.l, respectively, in communication with the ports I00 and I02. A servo valve I04 is fitted in the sleeve 94 for relative rotation, this valve member being rotatably held in the body 96 by a cap piece I06 bolted to the upper end thereof.

A spring drum I08 is bolted to the upper end of the sleeve 94 and contains a spiral clock spring I I0. the outer end of which is hooked into a suitable slot in the drum I08, while the inner end with groove I00.I.

terminate in segmental slots 80.5 (Fig. 9).

thereof is hooked into the cap piece I05. A stop bar I'I2 has a central depending locating projection II4 which fits in a central bore in the valve member I 04 and this stop bar projects through a suitable diametral slot II5 formed in the valve member I04, and as shown in Fig. 7, has a notched end II8 adapted to abut against a rotary escapement pawl I20 (Figs. 6 and '7). The pawl I20 is formed integrally with a shaft I22, this shaft having a pinion I24 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a rack I20, the latter forming part of a piston I20 reciprocable in a cylinder I30. The piston I28 is normally held in leftmost position (Fig. 6) by a compressed coil spring I32.

It will be clear from Fig. 6 that when hydraulic fluid under pressure is admitted to the left-hand end of cylinder I30, piston I28 will be moved to the right against the force of the spring I32 and rotate the rotary pawl I20 counterclockwise, thereby permitting the notched end H8 of the stop bar II2 to pass a notch I34 formed in the pawl I20. The spiral clock spring H5 is wound in such direction that the stop bar H2, and hence the valve I04, will be rotated relative to the sleeve 94 in a clockwise direction (Fig. '7), such movement being limited by the engagement of the stop bar II2 with the ends of the slots I36 formed in the sleeve 94.

The valve 504 is provided with a central bore I388 from which oil may discharge freely to the sump or drain. As shown in Fig. 9, the valve I04 has a pair of ports I38.IS which are adapted to cooperate with ports I002 communicating A pair of slots I38.2S (Fig. 11) communicate freely with the central bore I385 and are adapted to cooperate with ports I02.2 formed in the sleeve 94, the latter communicating with groove I02.I.

As shown in Fig. 10, the valve I04 an annular groove 58.2 which is at all times in communication with the groove 38.! through ports 98.3. Extending upwardly from the annular groove 08.2 are a pair of channels 08.4 which As will be clearly apparent from Fig. 9, the slots 93.5 at their ends which cooperate with the ports I002, are of reduced cross sectional area, as indicated at 98.6. so as to cause gradual reduction in the effective area of the slot as it approaches closed position. Also communicating with the annular groove 93.2 are a pair of passageways 98.! (Figs. 8, 10, and 11) which are adapted to cooperate with the ports 502.2.

The manner of operation of this servo valve will hereinafter be described in detail.

The previously described rotary pawl I20 and its shaft I22 are capable of limited longitudinal sliding movement, as shown in Fig. 12. The pawl and shaft assembly are pressed to the ri ht (Fig. 2) by a compressed coil spring H9 which extends through the hollow shaft I22 and bears against a ball I2I located in the end of the bore in the shaft. A hardened steel bearing plate I23 is located in the end of the bore in the shaft I22 for engagement by the ball I2I The right-hand end of the shaft I22 has a conical recess I25 forming a seat for a ball I21. The ball I2'I bears against a hardened steel insert I29 located at the bottom of a suitable bore I3I formed in the end of an adjusting rod 133. The rod I33 has a portion I35 threaded in the casing 28 and is adapted to be locked in adjusted position by a nut I31. By proper adjustment of the rod I33, the position at which the stop bar end II8 of the servo valve I04 engages the stop pawl I20 may be adjusted by a high degree of precision.

The servo valve sleeve 94 has a cam I39 (Figs. 8, 12, and 13) near its lower end for engagement with a follower roller I4I mounted for rotation on a follower rod I43 which is longitudinally slidable in a bore I45 in the casing 20. The follower roller MI is maintained in contact with the cam I39 by a coil spring I41 which is compressed between a shoulder I49 on the rod and a cap I5I. The rod I43 is prevented from rotating by a feather key I53 held in the cap I5I. An adjusting screw I55 is threaded in the end of the rod I43 and is adapted to contact a roller I51 mounted on the end of an actuating arm I59 of a limit switch I6 I Shot bolt When the table is indexed, it is necessary accurately to locate and lock it in the indexed position. This is accomplished by a shot bolt mechanism shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 16, and comprises a shot bolt I40, the upper end of which has fiat sides I4I for engagement with locating rolls I42 mounted for free rotation on adjustable pins I44. The portions of the pins I44 which form bearings for the rolls I42 are eccentric, as indicated in Fig. 15, so that by rotation of the pins I44 the spacing between the rolls may be adjusted, or both rolls may be moved in the same direction to make adjustment for the precise position at which the table will be indexed when the shot bolt is forced between the two rolls. The pins I44 are provided with hexagonal sockets for the reception of an Allen wrench, and are provided with suitable means for locking the pins in adjusted position. This type of shot bolt and socket means is more fully disclosed in the copending application of Earl E. Opel, Serial No. 616,275, filed September 14, 1945.

As shown in Fig. 2, there are two sockets for the reception of the shot bolt I40, the table illustrated being designed for two index positions. It will be clear, however, that any desired number of equally angularly spaced shot bolt receiving sockets may be provided to adapt the table for the number of operating stations which may be required.

The shot bolt I40 is slidably mounted in a hearing bushing I46 (Fig. 16) secured in the casing 28, and is provided with a central rack portion I48 meshing with a pinion I50, this pinion projecting through a suitable slot I52 formed in the bushing I46, being formed on a shaft I54 (Fig. 4), and having an arm I56 adjustably clamped thereto, this arm being provided for the operation of a limit switch I58.

As best shown in Fig. 16, thelower end of the shot bolt is of enlarged diameter'to form a piston valve I60. This valve has a pair of annular grooves I62, I63, for cooperation with ports 90.8, I64, I66, and I68.

As shown in Fig. 19, the port 98.8 communicates through a conduit 98.9 with the port 98 of the servo valve body, while the port I64 communicates by way of conduit I64. I with the pump 34. The port I66 is connectedby conduit I66.I with an inlet port I662 at the end of cylinder I30 (Fig. 6). The port I 68S leads to the sump or drain.

The upper end of the cylinder I in which the piston valve I60 of the shot bolt is reciprocable, is connected by port I 1| andconduit "H with a port I1I.2 (Fig. 17) of a four-way control valve I12. The lower end of the cylinder I10 is con- 6 nected by passageway I14 and conduit I14.I, to flow restricting valve I16 (Fig. 18). The flow restriction valve I16 connects with a passageway I18 (Figs. 17 and 18) on the four-way control valve I12. The shot bolt I40 is biased in its upper position, in which it locks the table in indexed position by a compressed coil spring I (Fig. 16).

Four-way control valve The four-way control valve, best shown in Figs. 17 and 18, comprises a body I86 having a bore I80 for the reception of a valve sleeve I90. A twoposition valve I92 is reciprocable in the sleeve I90 and has a T-slot connection with an actuating rod I94. The valve I92 is adapted to be held in either of its two positions of adjustment by a spring pressed ball detent I96 engageable with either of two grooves I98 formed in the actuating rod I94. As shown in Fig. 4, the actuating rod I94 is pivotally connected to a centrally pivoted lever 200. A pair of solenoids 202 and 204 have their plungers pivotally connected to the ends of the lever 200 for swinging the latter about its central pivot and thereby positioning the rod I94 and valve I92.

The pump 34 is connected to a passageway I642 (Fig. 17) formed in the valve body I86 through the conduit I641 (Fig 19). The passageway I64.2 communicates with an annular groove I643 formed in the sleeve I90. The passageway I1I.2 similarly communicates with a groove I1I.3 in the sleeve I90. An annular groove 2068 is vented to the sump through a passageway 2088.

The valve I92 has a central bore 2I0 which communicates through a radial passageway 2I2 with the left-hand end of the bore I88, and the latter is vented to the sump through a passageway 2I4S.

The flow restriction I16 comprises a cylinder 2I6 (Fig. 18) in which a plug portion 2I8 is rotatable and slidable, the end of the portion 2I8 having a slot 228 formed therein. The plug 2I8 has an enlarged portion 222 threaded in the body I80 so as to move the plug portion back and forth to adjust for the effective size of the port formed by the slot 220. The oil metered through the slot 220 flows by a passageway I18 to an annular groove I18.I formed in the sleeve I90.

A pressure relief valve 226 (Fig. 18) is pressed against its seat 228 by a coil spring 230, the degree of compression of which may be adjusted by rotation of a threaded plug 232 which is locked in adjusted position by an acorn nut 233. The space behind the relief valve 226 communicates with annular groove 234s and the latter is vented to the sump through a passageway 23413.

The valve I92 has an annular groove I1I.4 which, in the position shown, connects ports leading to the annular grooves I1I.3 and 200s, while in its other position it connects the groove I1I.3 with the groove I943. A second annular groove I18.2 connects the groove I18.I with the groove I943 when the valve is in the position shown, and when in its other position, connects grooves I10.I and 2345.

Control circuits Referring to Fig. 20, the control circuits are connected across lines L3 and LI. To initiate operation of the indexing table. a start push button 236 is depressed, thus completing a circuit from Ll through switch 238, a limit switch 238 (which is closed when the tool carrying head 2| is in back position, that is, the tool is withdrawn from the workpiece), and a pair of relay windings TRI and CRI in parallel. Energization of CRI 7 results in closure of switch CRI-I, and completes a circuit from line 3 through CRI-I, a

contactor I for starting pump motor 32, and an overload relay MEI to LI.

Energization of CRI also results in closure of its contacts CRI2, thereby completing a circuit through the solenoid 234 and thus shifting the valve I92 to a position such that the oil under pressure may be supplied to the upper end of the shot bolt cylinder I'Id, as will be pointed out hereinafter.

Therefore, the shot bolt is withdrawn from its socket in the index table, and in doing so, through its rack 48 and pinion I50 operates limit switch I56. Such operation of the limit switch I58 closes its contacts E581 and opens its contacts I582. Closure of the contacts I58.I completes a holding circuit through the contactor I for motor 32, this circuit being traced as follows: from line L3, push button operated stop switch 242, contactor I581, contactor I-I (closed upon energization of con tactor I), contactor I, and overload relay 240 to LI.

The opening of switch I582 deenergizes relay CR2, which relay is associated with the electrical control of the head 2I and is so arranged in such control circuit that the head cannot be moved while CR2 is deenergized.

A predetermined time after the start push button 2-36 is depressed, the time delay relay TRI operates to open its contacts TP.I-t This time delay is sufilcient to permit the shot bolt to be retraoted and to permit the table to commence its indexing operation. Opening the contacts TRI-I does not result in deenergization of CR! and TR! since the cam I39 on the servo valve sleeve has by this time moved sufiiciently to permit operation of the limit switch I61, resulting in closure of its contacts IEI.I, which are in parallel with contacts TRI-I. Since contacts CR.I3 are closed, a circuit is maintained for the energization of CRI and TRI, as follows: from L3, push button switch 242, contactors I5I.I and CRI-3, through CRI and TRI to LI.

As long as CR! is energized, its contacts CRI-4 remain open, and therefore solenoid 2B2 cannot be energized. When the table has been indexed substantially to its new position, the cam I39 on the servo valve sleeve operates the limit switch IBI to open its contacts IGLI and to close its contacts I6I.2. Since the holding circuit for CRI and TRI was through contacts ISM, these relays are deenergized and contacts CRII, CRI2, CRI-3, and TRI-I are opened, and contacts CRI-t are closed. Opening contacts CRI-I has no effect, since the motor contactor I is maintained energized through the holding circuit previously described. Opening of contacts CRI2 results in deenergization of the solenoid 234. Opening contacts CRI-3 keeps open the circuit to CRI and TRI, and prevents reenergization of these relays upon the closure of contacts TRI-I. Closure of contacts CHI- i and I6I.2, results in energization of solenoid 2G2. Energization of this solenoid shifts valve I92 to a position such that the hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the lower end of shot bolt cylinder I10, and the latter is thus forced upwardly into its socket. When the shot bolt approaches its uppermost position, it operates limit switch I58 to open its contacts I58.I and close its contacts I58.2.

Opening the contacts I53.I results in deenergization of the contactor I for the motor 32, while closure of contacts I58.2 results in energization of CR2. As previously stated, relay CR2 operates contacts in the electrical control circuits for the head 2i, enabling the head 2i to commence an operatin cycle. In some instances, energization of CR2 will initiate an operating cycle of the head 2|. When the head advances at the beginning of an operating cycle, a cam or dog 244 (Fig. 1) secured to the head 2| moves away from the actuator of a limit switch 238, so that this switch opens, thus providing an interlock to prevent restarting of the table indexing mechanism while the head 2I is displaced from its normal position. After completion of the operating cycle of the head ZI, when it has returned to normal position, the dog 244 operates to close switch 238, thereby reconditioning the control circuits of the indexing mechanism for restarting.

The indexing operation may be stopped at any time by operation of the stop push button 242. This opens the holding circuit for the contactor I of the pump motor and thus the hydraulic pressure in the system is rapidly dissipated. At other times the depression of the stop push button 242 deenergizes contactor I through deenergization of CRI.

Operation of hydraulic circuits The operation of the hydraulic circuits will now be described in detail.

Upon starting the indexing mechanism by deprcssion of the start push button 236, it will be recalled that the pump 34 is started to provide oil under pressure for operation of the hydraulic system; also that the solenoid 204 was energized.

The oil under pressure is therefore supplied through conduit HEM (Fig. 19) to passageway It lz (Fig. 1'7), and the groove 54.3. Since the solenoid 284 is energized at this time, the valve 532 (Fig. 17) is in its leftmost position, and thus the annular passageway I'IIA of this valve connects groove I642 to roove I'II.3, and thus oil under pressure may flow through the passageway I'II.2 and conduit III.I to the upper end of shot boltcylinder I70 to force the shot bolt I40 downwardly.

If perchance the rotary pawl operating piston I28- has not moved to the right (Fig. 6) to release the stop H8 upon initial starting of the motor 34, oil under pressure is supplied through conduit use: to port I64, annular groove I63 in the shot bolt, and port I66, through conduit I66.I and inlet H5632 to the left-hand (Fig. 6) end of cylinder I30. When the rotary pawl I20 is thus moved from the position in which it arrests the stop bar H8, the spiral clock spring III) rotates the servo valve IE4 clockwise (Fig. 7). The valve I92, in its leftmost position, permits escape of oil from the lower end of the shot bolt cylinder I'IEI through port EM, conduit I MA, flow restriction I16, port 1T8, to annular groove I'iiLI. The oil may flow from this groove through the space provided by groove H32 and through groove 234s and port 23415 to the sump.

As the shot bolt completes its downward stroke, the connection between conduit I64.I and I 66.I is b1'oken,.and instead, the conduit IG4.I is connected through groove I62 of the shot bolt to conduit'il8.8, thus supplying the oil under pressure to the servo valve inlet 98. When the shot bolt reaches its lower position, it also connects conduit I661 to the sump or drain opening IBBS.

It willbe recalled that due to the operation of the rotary pawl, the servo valve I04 was roand 11) from the position in which it is shown 

